PHUKET, Thailand – The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to investigate the source of wastewater flowing into Kamala Beach, Phuket. The investigation found that the wastewater originated from a public canal that receives discharge from local communities. In response, the PCD is working closely with local authorities to implement both immediate and long-term solutions.
Ms. Preeyaporn Suwannakes, Director-General of the PCD, stated that the department had launched an urgent investigation following concerns raised by Minister Chalermchai Sri-on. The PCD assigned the Phuket Environmental Office 15, in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, Kamala Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), and the Wastewater Management Authority, to inspect the site on February 8.
The investigation revealed that wastewater flowing into Kamala Beach originates from a public canal. The upper section of the canal contained milky-white water, while the final 250 meters before reaching the sea were dark in color, emitting a foul odor. The canal bed was also blackened due to sediment buildup.
Kamala SAO operates a community wastewater treatment system managed by the Wastewater Management Authority, with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters per day. However, only 300 cubic meters (30% of capacity) are currently being processed due to the treatment facility’s elevation relative to the wastewater inflow.
To address the issue immediately, the PCD has recommended that Kamala SAO continuously spray microbial agents into the canal and along the beach to reduce odors. The method will be adjusted to use microbial drip systems placed along the canal for better effectiveness. Additionally, the Wastewater Management Authority has installed temporary pumps to increase wastewater intake by an additional 60 cubic meters per day. Kamala SAO has also been instructed to inspect wastewater discharge from laundromats and hotels in the area and report their findings to the provincial governor’s advisor by February 14 to establish regulatory measures.
For a long-term solution, the Wastewater Management Authority plans to install two additional wastewater pumping stations in the community to ensure all wastewater is directed into the treatment system. Efforts will also be made to enhance the efficiency of wastewater collection and treatment. Furthermore, Kamala SAO has been advised to enforce stricter monitoring of wastewater discharge from local businesses and conduct annual dredging of the canal to prevent sediment buildup.
The PCD urges the public to report any illegal wastewater discharge into public waterways by calling the environmental hotline at 1650. The department will continue monitoring environmental quality and providing guidance to ensure sustainable solutions. (TNA)
